Did you not have to pay anything? I created a website with gbbo and can't work out how to get it on google and my other half says you normally have to pay for a domain? I dont understand all this technical malarky! I don't mind if I'm not on google but would like just have a site I can put on my price list so people can find out abit more about me/my business X
What's the name of your website? I don't use GBBO, but Dreamweaver/Photoshop, and with that you do need to purchase a domain (£2.99 per year for a .co.uk one - minimum 2 years, or a .com for £8, min 1 year)
But once you buy it, then its yours to keep for as long as you want/need. You also need to find somewhere in cyber space to host (store) your site too, and this could cost anywhere from FREE (limited space), to £75 a year. (Normally, a designer/web builder will include hosting into any charge you pay)
Although, as previously stated, Word of Mouth is possibly the best way of getting people to know you, there is no doubt, that a website (even a 5-8 page one), does help. Personally, if I was going to pay for a service recommended to me by a friend, I would like to look up what else that service offers, how long they have been up and running, and the sort of prices they charge compared to others in my area - and a website is a great way of doing that. Granted, not everyone is going to be top of google. (or indeed any other search engine), but even a business card with your website address on, does create a little business.
We found pamper parties tend to search for local business via the net, then contact us via email requesting more information. We direct them to the website and/or give return their call/email
So, going down the website route (not including these free ones!), does help, and if you keep track of which method of communication your next potential client has found you by (ie: friend, yellow pages, website/email etc), then you can judge which marketing avenues are working, and which aren't.